Electrical Engineer Salary in Houston, TX: $135,854 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Houston, TX earns a median $135,854/year (≈ $65.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $137,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.0% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Houston, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $135,854, surpassing the national median of $125,033 by 8.65%. Salaries within this profession can vary significantly, ranging from $79,987 at the 10th percentile to $215,582 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse sectors that electrical engineers serve. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights the city’s robust job market for engineers, including specialized fields such as semiconductor and chip design, which typically command higher salaries compared to roles in utility power systems or defense. The abundance of technology firms in the Houston area further enhances earning potential, making it a prime location for those in the profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,987 | $38.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,494 | $47.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,854 | $65.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,235 | $81.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,582 | $103.64 |
Median Salary Position
8.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $135,595 (2026 est.). At $135,854, the local median is 8.65% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houston Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Houston median: $135,854/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $111,356 | +22.00% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +8.65% more |
Electrical Engineers in Houston, TX earn a median of $135,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.65% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 22.00% above the Texas state average of $111,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $135,854 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,742 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,210
2025 BLS Actual
$131,070
2026 Current Est.
$135,854
2019–2027 Growth
+35.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,854 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,813 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 25.8% from $104,210 (2019) to $131,070 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,603 (35.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,987 – $99,494 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,494 – $135,854 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,854 – $170,235 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,235 – $215,582 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Houston
The job market in Houston employs approximately 5,770 electrical engineers, showcasing the demand and strength of the field amidst a lower-than-average cost of living index of 98.629. This favorable index suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may extend further due to affordable living conditions. Several prominent companies, including giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla, offer the highest pay, particularly in chip design and automotive sectors. Additionally, positions requiring security clearances at defense contractors tend to bring financial rewards that attract qualified professionals. Factors such as industry specialization, security clearance premiums, and educational background play significant roles in determining salaries. For engineers aiming to maximize their pay in Houston, targeting high-demand sectors, considering advanced degrees, and seeking opportunities with equity options at tech firms are effective strategies for enhancing their financial prospects.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $131,070 for electrical engineersin the Houston metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov